This easy, no-bake, chocolate dessert recipe for Rich & Creamy Chocolate Torte is smooth, decadent, and utterly delicious!
This is a really quick and simple no-bake cake that’s a perfect, cool, and creamy dessert for hot summer days!
This recipe is the perfect example of how getting something wrong can turn out extraordinarily right! When you are developing a recipe, you can make things several times before you get it right.
This recipe started out as chocolate cheesecake, but it turned out way too chocolaty to be a cheesecake.
There was too much chocolate flavor, and not nearly enough cream cheese. Who would have thought a recipe going wrong could taste so unbelievably good?
Why this recipe works:
- Using bittersweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate keeps the torte from being too sweet.
- The sour cream adds a tangy flavor to the recipe that works really well with the chocolate creaminess of the torte.
- Using chocolate cookies instead of gram crackers for the base adds a deep chocolate flavor and crunch that brings it all together.
Here’s how to make it:
Break up the cookie crumbs and add them to a mixing bowl.
Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mix until well combined and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Mix milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, egg yolks, sour cream, vanilla & salt in a food processor (or mixer) until thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
Add the mixture to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer whisking the whole time. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, add the cream cheese, butter, and chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil and whisk until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Pour the mixture into the pan with the base and cover with plastic wrap (make sure the plastic wrap is touching the surface to avoid a skin forming).
Chill cake for at least 4 hours. Then cover with chocolate curls for decoration.
Slice and serve.
Enjoy every last bite.
Cook’s Tips:
- Be sure to heat the mixture slowly to avoid the eggs forming clumps.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before starting. This is vital for a smooth, lump-free dessert.
- Don’t rush things. Be sure the torte is fully set before slicing.
Variations:
- Try topping with a layer of freshly whipped cream before adding the chocolate curls.
- Once set, add a layer of sliced strawberries followed by a layer of whipped cream for a whole new dessert.
- Instead of chocolate curls, add chopped nuts for the topping.
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Let’s Make Rich and Creamy Chocolate Torte
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs chocolate graham crackers or Oreos work well
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
Instructions
For The Base:
- Add the cookie crumbs, melted butter and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Press into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
For the filling:
- Mix the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, egg yolks, sour cream, vanilla & salt in a food processor (or mixer) until thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Add the mixture to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer whisking the whole time. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, add the cream cheese, butter, and chocolate chips and whisk until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and whisk for three minutes until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Pour the mixture into the pan with the crust.
- Cover with plastic wrap (make sure the plastic wrap is touching the surface to avoid a skin forming).
- Chill cake for at least 4 hours before slicing. To garnish sprinkle with chocolate shavings or curls
Nutrition Information:
Update Notes: This post was originally published in July of 2014, but was republished with step by step instructions, new photos, and tips in May of 2018.
Hadia says
The best mistake ever! The cake is divine, Erren!
Erren says
Thank you, Hadia!
Catherine says
A beautiful ‘mistake’! I don’t even like to call it that because it sounds marvelous and looks so, so good! xo, Catherine
Erren says
Thanks so much Catherine! 🙂
Simply Sated says
I love it when beautiful, unexpected results happen when cooking. THIS is divine – so chocolatey, yummy and perfect.
Erren says
Thanks so much! 🙂
Rose says
Hi, I made this for my Mom’s birthday and it came out great! Thanks so much for the recipe! I will definitely be trying more!
Erren says
So great to hear, Rose! Thanks for letting me know!
Jan says
Where’s the brown sugar you talk about in the instructions?
Erren says
Sorry Jan, the granulated sugar was meant to say brown sugar (not that either wouldn’t taste good). I fixed it now. Thanks for pointing it out!
charlene says
As of 7/25/24 the recipe still doesn’t mention brown sugar or the amount to use. Please help
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you for pointing that out, Charlene. There is no brown sugar in this recipe. I fixed the instructions. Please let us know if you give it a try! 😊
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
SO delicious!